In biblical terminology, the term "wasters" refers to those who bring destruction, ruin, or devastation. This concept is often associated with divine judgment or the consequences of sin. The term can be applied to both human agents and supernatural forces that execute God's will in bringing about destruction.

Biblical References:

1. Isaiah 54:16 : "Behold, I have created the craftsman who fans the coals into flame and forges a weapon fit for its task. And I have created the destroyer to wreak havoc." In this passage, God speaks of His sovereignty over creation, including those who bring destruction. The "destroyer" or "waster" is seen as an instrument in God's hand, used to fulfill His purposes.

2. Jeremiah 51:56 : "For a destroyer is coming against her, against Babylon. Her warriors will be captured, and their bows will be broken, for the LORD is a God of retribution; He will repay in full." Here, the "destroyer" is a divinely appointed agent of judgment against Babylon, illustrating the theme of divine retribution.

3. Joel 1:4 : "What the devouring locust has left, the swarming locust has eaten; what the swarming locust has left, the young locust has eaten; and what the young locust has left, the destroying locust has eaten." The locusts are described as "destroyers" or "wasters," symbolizing the total devastation brought upon the land as a consequence of the people's sin.

Theological Implications:

The concept of "wasters" in the Bible underscores the theme of divine justice and the seriousness of sin. It serves as a reminder of God's control over all aspects of creation, including those forces that bring about destruction. The presence of wasters in the biblical narrative often calls the people of God to repentance and a return to righteousness.

Symbolism and Imagery:

Wasters are frequently depicted using vivid imagery, such as locusts, armies, or natural disasters. These images convey the overwhelming and often unstoppable nature of divine judgment. The use of such imagery serves to instill a sense of urgency and the need for spiritual vigilance among the faithful.

Moral and Ethical Lessons:

From a moral and ethical standpoint, the concept of wasters challenges believers to consider the consequences of their actions. It emphasizes the importance of living in accordance with God's commandments to avoid the destructive consequences of sin. The presence of wasters in the biblical text serves as a call to holiness and a reminder of the ultimate accountability before God.

Historical Context:

In the historical context of the Bible, wasters often appear during times of national crisis or moral decline. They are seen as instruments through which God purifies His people, removing impurities and calling them back to faithfulness. This historical perspective highlights the cyclical nature of sin, judgment, and restoration in the biblical narrative.

Conclusion:

The concept of wasters in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing themes of divine judgment, sovereignty, and the call to repentance. Through the imagery of destruction, the biblical text communicates the seriousness of sin and the necessity of aligning one's life with God's will.

From the First Chapter.
... who labour in the world, and live [2262] of the frugality of their labours, and
are patient, and when they see certain men in the Church wasters, and pernicious ...
/.../commentary on the apocolypse of the blessed john/from the first chapter.htm

The Emperor and Empress
... selected for his own use an airy room with an antechamber, in which Philip could
sit, and intercept needless chatterers, intruders, and wasters of time. ...
/.../chapter xviii the emperor and.htm

Christ the Only Rest for the Weary and Heavy-Laden
... Alas, my brethren, what misery must that life be, where there is no more pleasant
days, no more balls or plays, no cards or dice, those wasters of precious time ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/christ the only rest for.htm

Oracles on the Scythians. (With Some Others: iv. 5-vi. 29. )
... recreant, 28 Gadding about to slander. Brass and iron are all of them(?),
Wasters they be! Fiercely blow the bellows, 29 The lead ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/2 oracles on the scythians.htm

The Broken Fence
... that all things may be set in order, sins cut up by the roots within the heart,
and the whole man protected by sanctifying grace from the wasters which lurk ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the broken fence.htm

The Talking Book
... Be much with the silly novels of the day, and the foolish trifles of the hour, and
you will degenerate into vapid wasters of your time; but be much with the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the talking book.htm

The Talking Book
... Be much with the silly novels of the day, and the foolish trifles of the hour, and
you will degenerate into vapid wasters of your time; but be much with the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the talking book.htm

Wasters (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Wasters (1 Occurrence). Nahum 2:2 For the Lord
will make good the vine of Jacob, as well as the vine of ...
/w/wasters.htm - 6k

Waster (7 Occurrences)

/w/waster.htm - 8k

Wastes (33 Occurrences)

/w/wastes.htm - 16k

Glutton (4 Occurrences)
... wastes his means by indulgence. In Proverbs 23:21, the word means debauchees
or wasters of their own body. In Proverbs 28:7, the ...
/g/glutton.htm - 10k

Cow (32 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 50:11 Because you are glad, because you are lifted up with pride, you wasters
of my heritage, because you are playing like a young cow put out to grass ...
/c/cow.htm - 18k

Playing (37 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 50:11 Because you are glad, because you are lifted up with pride, you wasters
of my heritage, because you are playing like a young cow put out to grass ...
/p/playing.htm - 18k

Vines (39 Occurrences)
... Nahum 2:2 For the Lord will make good the vine of Jacob, as well as the vine of
Israel: for the wasters have made them waste and sent destruction on the ...
/v/vines.htm - 18k

Stripped (62 Occurrences)
... Nahum 2:2 For the Lord will make good the vine of Jacob, as well as the vine of
Israel: for the wasters have made them waste and sent destruction on the ...
/s/stripped.htm - 24k

Noise (126 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 50:11 Because you are glad, because you are lifted up with pride, you wasters
of my heritage, because you are playing like a young cow put out to grass ...
/n/noise.htm - 41k

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